Avian Influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as bird flu, has recently been confirmed in Herring Gulls at several coastal sites across the UK. The spread of Bird Flu Herring Gulls highlights growing risks for wild populations.
Confirmed Cases: Bird Flu Herring Gulls
- Seaton Wetlands, East Devon – In February 2025, a juvenile Herring Gull tested positive for bird flu. Local wildlife officers worked with Defra to put measures in place, including visitor guidance not to feed or handle wild birds. Read more from East Devon Council.
- Newquay, Cornwall – In March 2025, a wild Herring Gull collected in Newquay was also confirmed to have bird flu. Authorities reminded the public to report any sightings of sick or dead birds. Coverage via Hits Radio Cornwall.
Why This Matters
Herring Gulls are already on the red list of UK bird species, meaning their populations are of serious conservation concern. The additional pressure from avian influenza could worsen declines seen in recent years.
For the public, the main risk is not direct infection (bird flu poses a very low risk to humans) but the potential spread to kept birds and poultry. The UK government continues to monitor cases in wild birds closely to assess the risk to farms and backyard flocks.
What You Should Do
| If You See | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Sick or dead wild birds | Do not touch. Report them via the official GOV.UK reporting tool. |
| Visiting reserves or coastal areas | Follow any local advice. Don’t feed gulls or ducks, and avoid contact with feathers or droppings. |
| You keep poultry or captive birds | Stay alert to government updates and maintain strict biosecurity measures. Check GOV.UK for any local restrictions. |
The Bigger Picture
While these detections are currently limited to wild gulls, they serve as a reminder that avian influenza remains present in the UK’s wild bird population. The situation highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and public cooperation in reporting sick or dead birds. Read more on our avian influenza UK updates.”
For further updates, visit the official GOV.UK resources:
Ongoing reports of Bird Flu Herring Gulls show the importance of monitoring and public vigilance.”
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